Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
the file that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "the file that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific file and providing additional information about it. Example: "I found the file that contains all the necessary data for the project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Wiki
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The portions of the file that were made public make no references to the girl's disappearance.
News & Media
You download the file that looks legit, only to find it's screwed up and you've just wasted your time.
News & Media
The value of is specific to a dataset, so it is read from the file that contains the projection data.
However, those partitions do not encompass the whole file (i.e., there are parts of the file that are not replicated).
Instead of storing the file that contains all of 1Password's data on my computer, it lives on Dropbox.
News & Media
They opened a new case, as the file that was turned over between administrations is now called "not found".
News & Media
Double-click the file that was created.
Wiki
Find the file that says Setup.
Wiki
Navigate to the file that ends in ". exe".
Wiki
Extract the file that says the font's name.
Wiki
Open the file that has a file name of today's date.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "the file that", ensure the relative clause following "that" provides essential information to identify the specific file you're referring to. This helps avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using overly complex sentence structures with "the file that" when a simpler phrasing can convey the same meaning more directly. For example, instead of saying "the file that contains the data", you could say "the data file".
Source & Trust
76%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "the file that" primarily functions as a relative clause introducing additional information about a specific file. This is evidenced by Ludwig, where the phrase is consistently used to elaborate on the characteristics or purpose of the file in question.
Frequent in
Wiki
30%
News & Media
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Reference
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "the file that" is a versatile phrase used to specify a particular file while providing additional information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, from technical documentation to everyday communication. While alternatives like "the document which" or "the specified file" exist, "the file that" remains a common and effective choice. Remember to use it to add essential information for the sentence to make sense or specify the file.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the document which
Uses "which" instead of "that" to introduce the relative clause, focusing more on providing additional information.
the file containing
Employs a participial phrase to describe the file's contents, offering a more concise structure.
the specified file
Uses an adjective to indicate a file that has been previously identified or mentioned.
the relevant file
Indicates the file is important or applicable to the current situation.
the designated file
Suggests the file has been officially chosen or assigned for a specific purpose.
the particular file
Emphasizes the file is one specific item among others.
the file in question
Refers to a file that is currently under discussion or consideration.
the aforementioned file
References a file that has been previously mentioned in the text.
the noted file
Implies the file is significant or has been brought to someone's attention.
that specific file
Highlights a unique, individual file.
FAQs
How can I use "the file that" in a sentence?
Use "the file that" to specify a particular file and provide further details. For example, "Open "the file that" contains the instructions."/
What are some alternatives to using "the file that"?
Alternatives include "the document which", "the file containing", or "the specified file", depending on the context.
Is there a difference between "the file that" and "the file which"?
"The file that" and "the file which" are often interchangeable, but "that" is generally preferred in restrictive clauses (essential information), while "which" is used in non-restrictive clauses (additional information). In practice, "that" is more common. For example, you would say "I need "the file that" has the data". In this case the data is used as an identifier of the file.
When should I use a simpler phrasing instead of "the file that"?
If the context already makes it clear which file you're referring to, a simpler phrasing like "the file" or "this file" may be sufficient and more concise. Consider if the information after 'that' is essential or simply descriptive.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
76%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested